NEWPORT, Tenn. (WVLT) -- There's an urgent warning from an East Tennessee police chief after five deaths in his community since January 1, and they're all due to the same powerful prescription painkiller.

The drug is called OPANA, and even if you don't live in Newport, you need to heed this warning.

Volunteer TV's Stephen McLamb talked with one young woman who's fiance just died from an OPANA overdose.

Arielle Gregg was on top of the world, looking forward to a life with her love, Dustin Sneed.

But on Feb. 28 that world collapsed when Dustin died.

Arielle says she chose to speak to our for one reason, and one reason only.

"I just want to get the word out that it can happen to anybody. Don't think it can't happen to you."

At just 18 years old, Arielle was looking forward to enjoying a life with the love of her life, Dustin.

But in February, Dustin died from the misuse of the prescription drug OPANA.

Arielle says, "We were going to get married."

But not before Arielle's world collapsed.

She's not alone. Newport's police chief says the community is facing a serious problem.

Newport Police Chief J. Maurice Shults says, "We're having every indication that at least five local deaths are associated with this OPANA misuse"

The latest was just three days ago on Friday.

Chief Shults says OPANA is an extended-released, morphine based prescription pain killer that's meant to be swallowed whole. The problem is that those who abuse it often crush and snort it.